Hailing from Amsterdam, Exchanger is the brainchild of guitarist and primary songwriter Nicolas Martin, who has been at the helm of the project for nearly a decade, releasing a series releases. Their latest offering, A Matter of Perspective (2024), showcases a significant refinement in their sound.
Exchanger’s approach to progressive metal seamlessly blends ambient textures with intricately played guitar layers, all laid over dynamic, stuttering rhythms. While drawing from influences like Dream Theater, Intronaut, TesseracT, and SikTh, Martin has managed to establish something unique for Exchanger, setting them apart from their more mechanical-sounding contemporaries. While the blend of melodic progressive metal with modern elements isn’t entirely groundbreaking, Martin’s fresh take gives the genre a revitalizing edge.
The guitar work on A Matter of Perspective is a brilliant study in contrast. Polyrhythmic chugging provides a solid foundation, while delicate, melodic layers add a lush atmosphere. The bass, meanwhile, is notably present in the mix, adding an extra layer of brilliance. From punchy slaps to moments where it takes the lead, the bass is a standout feature, especially in tracks like the opener “Antimatter” and “Aliens.”
Musically, A Matter of Perspective flows cohesively, feeling more like one continuous piece than a collection of individual tracks. The transitions between themes and pace changes feel organic, reflecting Martin’s skill at building tension and maintaining listener engagement without relying on predictable solo breaks. His restraint as a composer allows the music to breathe and grow naturally.
With A Matter of Perspective, Exchanger steps boldly into the spotlight, moving beyond the fringes of the progressive metal scene to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with.
A Matter of Perspective is available on Bandcamp.
With A Matter of Perspective, Exchanger steps boldly into the spotlight, moving beyond the fringes of the progressive metal scene to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with.
